6-methylene-3-oxo-delta4 steroids and process for preparation of same



United States Patent 3,159,643 6-METHYLENE-3-0X0-A STEROIDS AND PRQCESS FOR PREPARATION OF SAME David Neville Kirk and Vladimir Petrow, both of London, England, assignors to The British Drug Houses Limited No Drawing. Filed Feb. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 176,423 Claims priority, application tSreat Britain, May 8, 15 61,

13 Claims. (Cl. 260-3973) This invention is for improvements in or relating'to organic compounds and has particular reference to 3-oxozi -steroids containing a methylene substituent at C It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and general process for the preparation of 6-methylene-3- oxo-A -steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, D- homoandrostane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane and spirostane series.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the following new 6-methylene-3-oxo-A -steroids:

6-rnethylene-l7u-methyltestosterone, which is of value on account of its anabolic/androgenic activity; in addition the compound has claudogenic activity and may be expected to inhibit the growth of androgen-responsive tumours,

6 methylenecortisone 17,21 acetonide, which is of value as an intermediate for the preparation of 6a-methylcortisone into which it may be converted by catalytic hydrogenation and acidic removal of the acetonide residue,

G-methylene-19-nortestosterone, its acetate, propionate and fi-phenylpropionate which are of value on account of their favourable anabolic/ androgenic index,

G-methyleneandrostenedione-which is of value as an intermediate for the partial synthesis of such compounds as 6-methylenetestosterone into which it may be converted by methods developed in prior art for the 6-desmethylene analogues, I

6 methylenedesoxycorticosterone, 17a acetoxy 21- fluoro-6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and G-methylenecortisone 17,21-diacetate which are of value on account of their hormonal and anti-hormonal properties. Thus the two latter compounds, for example, have progesta: tional and ovulation-inhibiting properties.

6-methylenetestosterone l7B-phenylpropionate which is of value on account of its androgenic/ anabolic activity.

As revealed in our copending application No. 150,177 the 6-methylene-3-oxo-A -group of steroidal materials are of outstanding importance in the field of steroid technology. Many of them possess valuable biological properties which render them of value in, for example, the veterinary fie1d.- Thus 6-rnethylene testosterone and its esters are potent anabolic/ androgenic agents. The 6-. methylene derivatives of progesterone, l6a-rnethylprogesterone, 17a-acetoxyprogesterone, l7a-acetoxy-l6-methyleneprogesterone and 17a-acetoxy-l6a-methylprogesterone are potent progestational agents and possess ovulationinhibiting properties. In addition, catalytic hydrogenation of these compounds, followed by treatment with a catalytic quantity of hydrochloric acid in ethanol converts them into the technically valuable 6u-methyl-3-oxo-A steroids which are well-known to those skilled in the art and which find employment in, clinical medicine (e.g. medroxy-progesterone acetate, (l7a-acetoxy-6u-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) 6a-m'ethylprednisolone, 6a-methylprednisone, 6u,2l-dimethylethisterone).

3,15%),643 Patented Dec. 1, 1964 We have now made the surprising discovery that quaternary derivatives and in particular salts derived from the 3-enol ethers of 3-oxo-A -6-aminomethyl steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, D-homoandrostane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane and spirostane series including Formula I below pass into the corresponding 6-methy1ene- 3-oxo-A -steroids including Formula II below, the process of the invention involving the elimination of the units N, R R R R [and X] from the amine salt starting material.

According to the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of 6-methylene-3-oxo-1M- steroids of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane and spirostane series including Formula Hbelow where R is Me orI-I which process comprises contacting with an aqueous solution or organic solvent a quaternary derivative derived from a 3-enol ether of a corresponding 3-oXo-A 6 -arninoethyl steroid including Formula I below which may be expected in aqueous organic solvehtsolutions to exist in the hydrated form The steroid starting material may be contacted with water either alone or preferably in admixture with an organic solvent. The organic solvent is conveniently a hydroxylic solvent such as a lower aliphatic alcohol cmformula alkyl (IVa) Category B.-Salts of tertiary amines of the type alkyl GB/ 6 -N ary1, aralkyl or alkyl X Category C.Salts of secondary amines eg of the type alkyl, aryl or aralkyl (IVc) Salts of quaternary amines of Category A form the preferred group of starting materials. In particular, salts of quaternary amines of Category A of the type I?Me r or Me S04 are preferred owing to their superior availability, more economical cost of preparation, generally adequate solubility and the facility with which they undergo the elimination reaction to yield 6-methylene-3-oxo-A -steroids including Formula H.

The preparation of salts of quaternary amines of Category A of the androstane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane and spirostane series including Formula I is described in our copending application No. 168,827, filed January 25, 1962, now Pat. No. 3,084,159 and herein. The process involves the condensation of the 3-enol ether of a 3-oxo-A -steroid (V) with the Vilsmeier reagent under anhydrous conditions, followed by the reduction in situ in the absence of moisture of the resulting iminium salt to give the tertiary amine (e.g. VI), followed by its quaternation by methods of prior art to yield the salt of the quaternary amine (e.g. VII). Dimethylformamide is the preferred basic component of the Vilsmeier reagent and 6-dimethylaminomethyl steroids including Formula VI form the preferred group of precursors of the salts of quaternary amines of Category A. Quaternations of the tertiary amine precursors of quaternary amines of Category A including Formula VI may be effected by methods of prior art using various quaternating agents such as methyl halides or sulphate, toluene sulphonate ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, secbutyl, tert.-butyl iodides or bromides.

Other quaternating agents including heterocyclic quaternating agents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but their utility does not exceed that of those described above and their use ofiers no advantage.

Methyl bromide and methyl sulphate form the preferred quaternating agents when methosalts including Formula (VII: X is Br or MeSO are obtained. Such methosalts, in general, are sufficiently soluble in Water or the organic solvent to render them eminently suitable for conversion into -methylenic 3-oxo-A -steroids including Formula II when yields approaching quantitative figures may be obtained. In View of the excellence of these yields of 6- methylenic steroids and the general availability and cost of the materials required for the preparation of methosalts including Formula VII, their preference over other quaternary types will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Preparation of methosalts including Formula VII may be accomplished by methods of prior art including reacting of the 6-dimethylaminomethyl steroidal precursor (VI) in an organic solvent such as methanol, acetone, ether, benzene, toluene, hexane or carbon tetrachloride with methyl bromide or methyl sulphate when virtually quantitative yields of methosalts may be obtained. Such methosalts are generally sufficiently pure for conversion into 6-methylenic steroids including Formula II and are preferably used directly without purification. They may be decomposed in situ when, for example, methanol is used as solvent.

In general excellent yields of 6-methylenic-3-oxo-A steroids including Formula II may be obtained by simply heating the quaternary salts (preferably the methosalts including Formula VII) in the aqueous solution or organic solvent. Addition of buifer systems may .be advantageous in certain cases. In general, however, progressive addition of ions leads to progressive lowering of yield of G-methylenic product. The elimination reaction, however, is less susceptible to progressive addition of H+ ions.

The solvent system may contain anions added to assist the reaction, for example by replacing X by X in the steroidal starting material in order to increase the solubility of the steroidal starting material in the solvent system.

The solvent system may contain a buffer or other dissolved substance added with the object, for example, of reacting with a component or components derived from the elimination products of the reaction. Thus, for example, as the el mination reactionn leads to a product which may have an acidic reaction, it may be advisable to add a buffering agent such as sodium acetate to the solution when preparing 21-acylated 6-methylenic corticoids in order to minimise hydrolytic removal of the 21- acylic residue.

The quaternary salt and in particular the methosalt in cluding Formula VII may be dissolved in the foregoing aqueous/solvent systems or may be suspended therein and the solution/mixture heated at 60 to 120 C., when conversion into the G-methylenic steroid including Formula 11 occurs. When suspensions of the finely powdered quaternary salts in water or aqueous solvents are employed, the methylenic products including Formula II may separate from the reaction mixture in the nearly pure crystalline state thereby facilitating collection.

Conversion or" quaternary salts including Formula I and in particular methobromides and methosulphates including Formula VII may be effected by heating in organic solvents (preferably non-anhydrous solvents) and mixtures thereof including:

Heating in dioxan at 100 (3.,

Heating in dimethylformarnide at 100 C.,

Heating in acetonitrile under reflux,

Heating in dimethylsulphoxide at 80 0.,

Heating in MeQI-I, ethanol, propmol, isopropanol, v Heating in a two-phase system such .as water/benzene,

when theG-methylenic product is removed from the aque ous phase as it is formed. This method is particularly suitable for minimising hydrolysis of groups sensitive to prolonged treatment with hot water heating in MeOH/ NaAc. This procedure is particularly suitable for corticoids as attack upon the side chain by the elimination products of the reaction is thereby minimised.

Conversion of quaternary salts including Formula I and in particular methobromides and methosulphates including Formula VII may be accomplished by heating in suspension in a solvent in which the steroidal starting materials are virtually insoluble providing such a solvent contains as a minor component a solvent in which the steroidal starting materials are soluble. Technical grade solvents usually contain enough water to render the elimination reaction highly effective under these experimental conditions. In addition, crude quaternary salts which have been air-dried likewise generally contain sufficient water, either in combination or/ and in association to render the elimination reaction highly effective. Thus, for example, the crude methobromide derived from 17,6- acetoxy-3-ethoxy 6 dimethylaminomethylandroSta-3,5- diene which has been dried in air at room temperature and pressure may be heated in suspension in toluene, when the quaternary salt undergoes the elimination reaction and the methylenic product passes into solution.

The preparation of tertiary amines required for conversion into salts of Category B is likewise described in our copending application No. 168,827 now Pat.

3,084,159. As before, it involves reacting the Vilsmeier reagent under anhydrous conditions with an enol ether (V) employing a dialkyl or an alkylaryl forma-mide as the basic component in the Vilsrneier reagent, followed by reduction in situ of the resulting iminium salt to give the S-enol ether (VIII) of the 6-dialkyl or 6-alkylaryl or 6- alkylaralkylaminomethyl:

3-oXo-A -steroid. The yields of alkylaryl (or alkylaralkyl) amines (VIII) from (V) are generally lower than those of the 6-dimethylaminomethyl derivatives (VI) so that the overall yields of 6-methylenic derivatives from enolic ethers (V) are generally lower employing salts of tertiary alkylaryl(alkaryl)amines of Category B.

The salts (IX) of tertiary amines (VIII) readily pass into 6-methylenic steroids including Formula II. The

facility with which this reaction occurs in solution is such that, in general, it is preferred to convert the alkylaryl tertiary amines (VIII) into the 6-methylenic derivatives without isolating the intermediate salts (IX), but converting them in situ into the required final products including Formula II. Thus, for example, by merelywarming I7fi-acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6(N-methyl-N phenylaminomethyl)-'androsta-3,5-diene in acetic acid for a few minutes and pouring the solution into water 6-methylenetestosterone acetate may be obtained. Another procedure involves heating the foregoing amine with aqueous ethanolic hydrochloric acid under reflux for a few minutes and isolating the 6methylene derivative by methods of prior art. Dialkylamine derivatives may be converted into 6- methylene derivatives by a procedure typified by heating an aqueous/alkanoic solution of the amine with a catalytic amount of an acid such as acetic acid. Cther equivalent experimental procedures will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The preparation of secondary amines required for conversion into salts of Category C may be achieved from d-formyl derivatives (X), which, as described in our copending application No. 150,140 are prepared from 3- enol ethers (V) by treating them with the Vilsmeier reagent and hydrolysing the resulting iminium products JHO JH=NAryI (Alkyl, Aralkyi) (V) Iii/[\- R Aryl (Alkyl, Aralkyl) H N H H NHAryl (Alkyl, Aralkyl) (XIII) (XII) The 6-formyl derivaives (X) are treated with a primary amine, which may be an aliphatic or aromatic amine but is preferably a primary aromatic amine. The resulting anil (XI) may then be reduced, for example with lithium aluminium hydride, to the secondary amine (XII). The

secondary amines so obtained are of value in their own right on account of their pharmacological properties. Thus they may affect the central nervous system and the blood pressure. The salts (XIII) of secondary amines (XII) readily pass in solution into 6-methylene steroids under experimental conditions generally applicable to salts of Category B as hereinabove described.

The preparation of N-oxides of the 3-enol ethers of 3-oXo-A -6-aminomethyl steroids follows the methods of prior art (see, for example, Organic Reactions, Vol. XI, p. 378, Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York). Such N-oxides decompose readily to give the 6-methylenic-3-oxo-A steroids in general on simple warming of their solutions in the lower aqueous alcohols.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the process of our invention has wide applicability to numerous steroidal starting materials. As described in our co-pending applications Nos. 150,140 filed November 6, 1961 and 168,827 filed January 25, 1962 now Pat. No. 3,084,159, and in the present application such starting materials as (VII), (IX) and (XIII) of the androstane, 9/3,10a-androstane, D-homoandrostane, 19-norandrostane, pregnane, 9fi,10oc-pregnane, 19-norpregnane and spirostane series may be additionally substituted by:

Hydroxyl groups and functional derivatives thereof in positions 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 (including 16-hydroxymethyl), 17, 18, 20 and 21 (including the condensation products of a-glycols with carbonyl components),

Carbonyl groups in positions 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20,

Carbalkoxy groups in positions 13, 16, 17 and in the side chain,

Alkyl groups other than at C and C and in particular methyl groups at 2, 11, 16, 17 and 21 and ethyl at 17,

Alkenyl groups containing up to 6 carbon atoms at C Methylene and ethylidene groups in positions 11, 16, 17

and 16-17,

Lactone, ether and spiroketal residues and in particular lactone and spirolactone .O.CO.CH CH attached to C etheric groups at position 16 and bridging positions 18 and 20. Spiroketal residues such as are present in spirostane,

Halogen groups Cl, Br and F in Rings C and D or in the side chain,

Unsaturated linkages at C C C C15, C and Ketol groups in positions 11-12, 1617, 17-20 and 20-21,

Corticoid side chains which may be acylated, diacylatcd,

condensed with carbonyl components such as formaldehyde or acetone (as 2,2-dimethoxypropane) or with ester components such as ethyl ortho-formate, ethyl acet-oacetate or other functional derivatives thereof as may be known to those skilled in the art,

Epoxides in position 16-17.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the elimination reaction which forms the subject of the present invention involves the decomposition of the cation (XIV) where R, R R R and R are as hcreinabove defined derived from the fully ionised salts including Formula I. It will consequently be apparent to those skilled in the art that the anion associated with the cation (XIV) is unlikely to control per se the rate of the elimination reaction, but to influence it mainly by virtue of the solubility which it imparts t0 the steroidal starting materials including Formula I. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that must be so chosen as to avoid the production of marked alkalinity during the elimination reaction. Providing the requirement is satisfied that the steroidal salts which form the starting materials of the present invention including Formula I have sufiicient solubility in the solvent or solvent system employed to ensure the success of the elimination reaction then the role of in the elimination reaction is fulfilled and its identity becomes a matter of minor consequence.

The process of this invention is particularly useful and offers a distinct advantage over the process of application No. 150,177 for the preparation of 6-methylene-A -3-ox0- steroids in those cases where the structure of the product includes a system sensitive to the acidic conditions of the process of application No. 150,177. Such systems include ketal groups and acetonides which systems are known to be hydrolysed by for example aqueous acetic acid but are stable under the conditions of the present invention. Thus for example 6-methylenecortisone 17u,2l-acetonide is readily prepared by heating -dimethylaminomethylcortisone 17a,21-acetonide 3-enol methyl ether with methyl iodide in methanol, whereas in the process of application No. 150,177, 6-hydroxymethylcortisone 17a,2l-acetonide 3-enol methyl ether is converted by aqueous acetic acid into 6-methylene cortisone, purified as its 21-acetate.

The process of the invention may be used in the preparation of 6-methylene steroid derivatives of the following steroids and acyl derivatives thereof:

Testosterone, Z-methyltestosterone, 17ot-methyltestosterone and their 9(1l)-dehydro-l1-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives 17a-acyloxyprogesterone and its 9( l1)-dehydro, ll-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives lG-methyl-l7a-acyloxyprogesterone and its 9(11)-dehydro, ll-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives 21 fiuoro l6 methyl-17ot-acyloxyprogesterone and its 9(11)-dehydro, ll-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives l6-methylene-17a-acyloxyprogesterone and its 9(11)-dehydro, ll-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives 2l-fluoro-lfi-methylene-l7a-acyloxyprogesterone and its 9(11)-del1ydro, 1 l-oxo and 1 l-hydroxy derivatives 17a-acyloxy-16-ethylideneprogesterone 1611,17 dimethylmethylenedioxyprogesterone and 9(11)-dehydro, ll-oxo and ll-hydroxy derivatives Cortisone 16-Methylcortisone 21-methylcortisone 16-methylenecortisone 16a-hydroxy cortisone and the (16a,17a)-acetonide thereof Hydrocortisone 16-methylhydrocortisone 21-methylhydrocortisone 16-methylenehydrocortisone 16a-hydroxyhydrocortisone and the (16a,17a)-acetonide thereof and the 9a-fluoro derivatives of the above cortisoncs and hydrocortisones 17a,2l-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20-di0ne its , 9 1 16 methyl 1711,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9'( 1 1 -diene-3,20-

dione 21 methyl 17a,2l-dihydroxypregna4,9(11)-diene-3,20

dione 16 methylene 17a,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-dienef 3,20-dione 16a hydroxy 1701,21 dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene- 3,20-dione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof 21 fluoro l7a-hydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20-dione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof 21-fluoro-17a-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof 21-fluoro-11,17a-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and the (16,17) acetonide thereof 2 l-hydroxyp regna-4, 17 (20) -d-ien-3-one 1 1-oxo-2l-hydroxypregna-4, 17 (20) -dien-3-one 1 1,21-dihydroxypregna-4,17 (20) -dien-3-one 9( 1 1 -dehydro-21-hydroxypregna-4, 17 (20) -dien-3 -one 3-oxopregna-4,17(20)-dienoic acid (esters) 3,11-dioxopregna-4,17(20)-dienoic acid (esters) 11-hydroxy-3-oxopregna-4,17(20)-dienoic acid (esters) 9(11) dehydro 3 oxopregna 4,17 (20) dienoic acid (esters) 21-fluoro-17a-acyloxyprogesterone and the 9 1 1 )-dehydroj ll-oxo and ll-hyd'roxy derivatives thereof Progesterone 16-methy1progesterone, 16,17-methyleneprogesterone and EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 1 7m,20 20,21-Bismethylenedioxy-o-Methylene-Pregn-4-Ene-3,1 1 -Dine 17u,20:20,21 bisrnethylenedioxy-3-ethoxy-6-dimethylaminomethylpregna-Zi,S-dien-ll-one (0.5 g., prepared as described in Example 1 of application No. 168,827, now Pat. 3,084,159) was converted into the methiodide by treatment with methyliodide in dry benzene, and this was heated at 100 C. in aqueous suspension for 2 hours. The resulting solid was collected and crystallised from methanol to give 17a,20:20,21-bismethylenedioxy-6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,1l-dione as laths, M.P. 201 to 203 C. [u] |-120 (c., 1.1v chloroform), identical with the material described in application No. 150,177 filed November 6, 1961.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 17a-Acet0xy-6J6-Dimerhylenepregn- 4-Ene-3,20-Di0ne O QMe 17 a acetoxy 6 dimethylaminomethyl-16methy1ene- 1 pregna-3,5-dien-20-one (0.2 g. prepared as described in application No. 168,827) was converted into the meth: iodide by treatment with methyliodide in dry benzene and this was heated at C. in water (10 ml.) and methanol (10 ml.) for 1 hour. The resulting solid was collected and crystallised from methanol to give 17a-acetoxy-6,16- dimethy1enepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as prisms, M.P. 224 to 225 C., [a] +73 (c., 1.0 in chloroform), identical with the material described in application No. 150,177.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 1 70;,20 20,21-Bismethj lenedi0xy-115- H ydr0xy-6 -M ethylenepregn-4 -En-3 -One 2020,21 bismethylenedioxy 6 dimethylarninomethyl-3-ethoxypregna-3,5-dien1lfi-ol (0.7 g. prepared by the process of Example 38 of application No. 168,827, now Pat 3,084,159) was converted into the methiodide by treatment with methyl iodide in dry benzene, and this was heated at 100 C. in water (25 ml.) and methanol (5 ml.) for /z hour. The resulting solid was collected and crystallised from dichloromethane/methanol to give 17u,20:20, 21 bismethylenedioxy-l1B-hydroxy-6-methylenepregn-4- en-3one as needles, M.P. 224 to 226 C., [a] +168 (c., 0.75 in chloroform), identical with the material described in application No. 157,177.

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 17B-Acezoxy-Za-Methyl-G-Methyleneandr0st-4-En-3-One 176 acetoxy 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 ethoxy- 2u-methylandrosta-3,S-diene (0.5 g. prepared as described in Example 43 of application No. 168,827, now Pat. No. 3,084,159) was converted into the methiodide by treatment with methyl iodide in dry benzene at 40 C. for 3 hours. The methiodide was then heated at 100 C. in Water (25 ml.) for 2 hours and the precipitated solid was collected. crystallisation from dichloromethane/ methanol gave 17,8 acetoxy 2a methyl 6 methyleneandrost-4-en-3-one as plates, M.P. 179 to 181 C., [M +245 (c., 0.75 in chloroform),

max.

257 to 260 m a(e11,120)

identical with the material prepared according to the process of application No. 150,177.

I EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 21-Acetoxy-6-Methylenepregn-4-Ene- 3,20-Di0ne CHgOAo A solution of 21-acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyh3- max.

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of 6-Methylenepregn-4-Ene-3,20-Di0ne OMe 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 ethoxypregna 3,5 dien- 20-one (1 g., prepared by the process of application No.

168,827, now Pat. No. 3,084,159) was converted into the EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 1605,] 7a-Is0pr0pylidenedioxy-(i-Methylenepregn-4-En-3,20-Di0ne 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 ethoxy 16a,17a isopropylidenedioxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one (0.5 g.) (prepared as described in Example 4 of application No. 168,827, now Pat. No. 3,084,159) in benzene (20 ml.) was treated with methylbromide (0.5 g.) and allowed to stand for 4 hours. The resulting gel was freed from solvent as far as possible under reduced pressure, and the residue crushed to a fine powder. The crude methobromide was heated with water (20 ml.) at 100 C. for 4 hours. The precipitated material was filtered off and purified from methanol to give 16a,17a-isopropylidenedioxy-6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, needles, M.P. 240 C. with decomposition, identical with an authentic specimen.

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 6-Methylenepregn-4-En-3,11,20-Tri0ne- 1 70,21-Di0l Dz'acetate OHQOAC 12 now Pat. No. 3,084,159) was dissolved in a mixture of ethyl acetate (600 parts), methanol parts) and iodomethane (30 parts) and left for 2 days. Evaporation to dryness gave the methiodide as a gelatinous solid. The foregoing methiodide (1 part) was maintained at 100 C in water (30 parts) for four hours, then cooled and filtered. The solid so obtained was recrystallised from moist methanol to give the product, 6-methylenepregn-4- en-3,11,20-trione-17a,20-diol diacetate, M.P. 192 to 196 C.

EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 6-Methylene-16-Methyl-16-Dehydroprogesterone (IJOMe Me Mm 6 dimethylaminomethyl-3-methoxy-l6-methylpregna- 3,5,16-trien-20-one was prepared (as described in Example 45 of application No. 168,827, now Pat. No. 3,084,159, for the 3-ethoxy compound) from 3-methoxy- 16-methylpregna-3,5,l6-trien-20-one (7.4-8 parts). The crude amine was dissolved in dry benzene (100 parts), iodomethane (5 parts) added, and the solution left for 12 hours. Filtration and washing of the product with acetone gave the methiodide, M.P. 193 to 194 C. (dec.). A suspension of the foregoing methiodide (1 part) was suspended in water (40 parts) and maintained at 100 C. for a period of 4 hours, with occasional swirling. Then the suspension was cooled and filtered, and the solid so obtained recrystallised from moist methanol to give the product, 6-methylene-16-methyl-16-dehydrophogesterone, M.P. 131to 133 C., and finally 147 to 150 C. after repeated recrystallisations from disopropyl ether.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation 0 f 1 7,8-Hydr0xy-17a-Metkyl-6-Methyleneandr0sta-4-En-3-One A solution of 6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-methoxy-l7amethyl-17fl-propionoxyandrosta-3,S-diene borane (10 g., prepared as described in Example 7 of application No. 168,827, now Pat. No. 3,084,159) in piperidine (100 ml.) was boiled under reflux for 4 hours. After cooling, some insoluble material was removed by filtration and the mother-liquor was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. crystallisation of the residue gave 6- dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxy-l7a-methyl-17fi-propionoxyandrosta-3,S-diene.

A stirred solution of the foregoing compound (8 g.) in dry tetrahydrofuran (250 ml.) was treated with lithium aluminium hydride (8 g.) and the stirred mixture boiled under reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled, excess lithium aluminium hydride decomposed by cautious addition of water and the product isolated with ether. Crystallisation gave 6-dimethylaminomethyl-l7 8-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17a-methylandrosta-3,S-diene.

A solution of the foregoing compound (5 g.) and methyl iodide (8 ml.) in dry benzene (100 ml.) was left at room temperature for 3 hours. The resulting methiodide was collected, suspended in water (200 ml.) and methanol (80 ml.) and the mixture boiled under reflux for 6 hours. The mixture was cooled and the product isolated with ether. crystallisation from ether-light petroleum (B.P. 40 to 60 C.) gave 17/i-hydroxy-17a-methyl-6-methyleneandrosta-4-en-3-0ne as rosettes of needles, M.P. to C. [a] -{245 (0., 0.56 in chloroform),

13 EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 6-Methylene-1 7/3-Pr0pion0xy-17ot-Vinyl androst-4-Ene-3-One A solution of 3 ethoxy-l7,6-propionoxy-17a-vinylan- Y (4.5 ml.) in ethylenedichloride (25 ml.) and a solution of phosgene in ethylenedichloride (21 ml., 10%)] and the mixture stirred at room temperature for two hours. After phenazone (6 g.) had been added, a solution of "sodium borohydride (750 ,mg.) in dry pyridine (30 ml.)

was added during 10 minutes. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes, poured into water and, the neutral product extracted with ether. The aqueous solution was treated with sodium carbonate (3 g.) and the product isolated with ether to give 3-ethoxy- 6 dimethylaminornethyl 17,8 propionoxy-l7cc-vinylandrosta-3,5-diene as a pale yellow gum,

1730, 1650 and 1610 cm. I

A solution of the foregoing compound g.) in dry benzene (50 ml.) was treated with methyl iodide (5 ml.)

and the mixture left at room temperature for 42 hours, when the crude methiodide was filtered oil.

A solution of the foregoing methiodide (3 g.) in water (50 ml.) and methanol (50 ml.) was boiled under reflux for 5 hours, cooled and the product isolated with ether. crystallisation from aqueous acetone gave 6- methylene 17,8-propionoxy-l7a-vinylandrost-4-ene-3-one, needles M1. 129 to 130 C. [a] +261 (c., 0.4 in chloroform),

Nuiol 7mg 1730,1680, 1620 and 1600 cm."

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 6-Methylene-17B-Pr0pi0n0xy-17ap- '-Ynylandrost-4-En-3-0 A solution of 3-ethoxy-17,8-propionoxy-17a-prop-1- ynyl-androsta-3,5-diene (6 g. prepared as described in Example 23 of application No. 150,140) in dry ethylene dichloride (30 ml.) and dry pyridine (0.5 ml'.) was added to a stirred, ice-cooled suspension of the Vilsmeier reagent [prepared from a solution of dimethylformamide (3.3 ml.) in ethylene dichloride (30 ml.) and a solution of phosgene in ethylenedichloride (12%, 21 ml.)]' and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 hour.

After the'addition of phenazone (5.9 g.) a solution of sodium borohydride (750 mg.) in dry pyridine (30 ml.) was added during minutes. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for minutes, poured into water and the neutral product extracted with ether. The aqueous solution was treated with sodium carbonate (3.2 g.) and the product isolated with ether to give 3-ethoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-17B-propionoxy 17a. prop-1'-ynylandros'ta-3,5-diene as alight brown gum,

his 1730, 1650 and 1610 om.-

3, 5 1730, 1680, 1625 and 1600 crnr in CHCl l4 EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 17u-Acetoxy-2lFla0r0-6-Methylenepregn-4-Ene-3,Z0-Di0ne 17et-acetoxy-21-fiuoropregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (3.5 g.) (Dodson et al., J.A.C.S., 1960, 82, 2325) and methyl ortho-formate (3.6 ml.) were dissolved in dioxan (20ml) Toluene p-sulphonic acid (0.5 g.) dissolved in dioxan (10 ml.) was added and after 30 minutes the product was isolated with ether and crystallised from methanol containing a few drops of pyridine to give l7a-acetoxy-21- fluoro-3-methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one.

17ot-acetoxy-2l-fiuoro-3-methoxypregna 3,5 dien-20- one (5 g.) dissolved in ethylenedichloride (50 ml.) was added to the complexprepared from phosgene (1.7 g.) in ethylenedichloride (17 ml.) and dimethylformamide (2.5 ml.) in anhydrous conditions. Phenazone (4 g.) was added, followed by sodium borohydride (0.38 g.) in pyridine dried over sodium hydride. The product was isolated with ether and the residue was dissolved in benzene ml.) and methyl bromide (101111.) was added. The mixture was kept at 40 C. for 24 hours and the solids were collected, dried in air and crystallised from methanol to give the methobromide of 17-acetoxy-ddimethylaminomethyl-21-flu0ro-3-methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one.

The quaternary bromide (5 g.) was heated in water (100 ml.) on a steam-bath for 4 hours and the solids collected by filtration. Crystallisation from methanol gave 17u-acetoxy-21-fluoro-6-rnethylenepregn 4 ene 3,20- dione, needles MP. 205 to 207 C., [u] +272 (c., 0.93

ELOH maz.

Preparation of 1 7 04-14 cet0xy-16a-Methyl-6- M ethyl ene pregn-4-Ene-3 ,20-Di0ne O OMe --OAe --Me Me I I H ,dione, needles, MP. 173 to 175 C. +223 (c., 0.78 in CHCl EtOH mux.

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 17a-Acetoxy-I6B-Methyl-6- Methylenepregn- I-Ene-3,20-Dione Treatment of 17a-acetoxy-16fi-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-

'15 1e dione by the process described in Example 13 gave 170t- EXAMPLE 20 acetoxy'l6'8'methy1'6methylancpragn'4'welzofllone' Preparation of 6'-Methylene Androst-4-Ene-3,l7-Di0ne EXAMPLE 16 M Preparation of 17a-Acetoxy-6-li4ethyleneprogesterone 5 i COMe Me --OAc Me Me H i l Hz 3 ethoxy-6-dimethylaminomethylandrosta-3,S-dien-17- H1 one (10 g., as prepared in Example 23 of application No. 168,827) now Pat. No. 3,084,159 in anhydrous ether (100 ml.) was treated with methyl bromide (5 ml.) in a stoppered flask for 30 hours at 35 C. The precipitated methobromide was collected and dried at 45 C. The product was heated in suspension in refluxing toluene (200 ml.) for 3 hours, the mixture was cooled, stirred with anhydrous sodium sulphate and charcoal, filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The solid residue was 5 purified from acetone/ hexane to give 6-methylene androst- 17a-acetoxy-3-ethoxy 6 trimethylammoniummethylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one iodide (prepared as described in application No. 168,794 filed January 20, 1962) (l g.) suspended in water (50 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for 4 hours, when it slowly dissolved and was replaced by a crystalline precipitate. This was purified from ethyl acetate to give 17a-acetoxy-6-methyleneprogesterone, M.P. 240 to 244 C., [a] +226 (c. 0.9 in CHCl 4-ene-3 17-dione in prisms M.P. 154 to 156 C. X L 2 a 9 E AMP E 17 [a] +387 (c. 0.98 in CHCl Preparation of d-Methylenetestosterone Acetate A512? 260.5 ma (6 11,140)

Me EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of 21 -A cetoxy-I 7a-Hydr0xy6-Methylcnepregna-4,9 I 1 )-Diene-3,20-Di0ne Me onto.

17fi-acetoxy-3-ethoxy 6 trimethylammoniummethyl- 40 Me androsta-3,5-diene iodide (5 g.) (prepared from the 6- dimethylaminomethyl derivative of Example 8 of application No. 168,827 new Pat. No. 3,084,159 by reaction 0: with methyl iodide in anhydrous benzene) and ammonium chloride (5 g.) were heated in water (100 ml.) for 1 hour 0E; at 100 C. The precipitated product was urified from aqueous methanol to give 6-methylenetest sterone ace- 21'awtoxy'6"1'1methy1am{nmthy1 hydroxy'3' tate, M.P. 141 to 143 0., [u] |-270 (c. 0.85 in chlomthMYPregnWlSfifll 'men'29'11e mdlde (1 roform) prepared by the process of application No. 168,794 Le. the amine (Example 27) dlssolved in hot benzene was EXAMPLE 18 treated with excess methyl iodide at 40 to 50 C. for Preparation of 6'-Methylene Testosterone Acetate 5 hours- After allowing t0 cool, the quatemafy salt was collected and used directly) was treated with water (10 Zfiq 6 dlmethylammomethyl'?"cthoxyandm ml.) and benzene (20 ml.) under reflux for 4 hours. The meflacctate was prepared from the F benzene layer was separated and washed and the solvent spondlng methlodlde (1 Prepared as descnbed removed. Purification of the residue from ethanol gave ample 17) and silver acetate (0.3 g.) in methanol (20 zbacetox drox lane re M49 11 ml.). On heating for /2 hour at 90 C. in 50% aqueous gi 2 flages, o methanol it was converted into 6-methylene testosterone 23+20 (Q 084 in CHC]3) acetate M.P. 141 to 143 C., [a] +270 (c. 0.9 in chloroform identical with the mater al re ared in Ex P16 I P p am EXAMPLE 22 EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 6-Methylene Cortisone Acetate Preparation of 6'-Methylene Testosterone Acetate A solution of 17fl-acetoXy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-3- O eth0xyandrosta-3,5-diene methosulphate (0.5 g., prepared from the free amine of Example 8 of application No. 0 168,827 now Pat. No. 3,084,159 by treatment with dimethyl sulphate in ether-hexane) and sodium acetate e I (0.25 g.) in water 10 ml.) was maintained at 100 C. for t /2 hour. The precipitated solid was collected and crystallized from aqueous methanol to give 6-methylene testos- 0:

terone acetate as needles, MP. 141 to 144 C., identical with the material prepared in Example 17. an

1 7 6-dimethylaminomethylcortisone acetate 3-enol methyl ether (10 g. as prepared in Example 40 of application No.

168,827 now Patent No. 3,084,159) was dissolved in-ben- Preparation of 1 7a-Hydr0xy-21-Methyl-6- M ethylenepregn-4-Ene-3,1 1,20-Trine 17a-hydroxy-6-trimethylaminomethy1 3 methoxy-Zlmethylpregna-Zi,5-diene-11,20-dione iodide (prepared as in Example 23 of application ,No. 168,794) was treated by the process of Example 21 and gave 17a-hydroxy-21- methyl-6-methylene-pregna-4-ene-3 ,1 1,20-trione.

EXAMPLE 24 Preparation of o-Methylene-Androst-4-Ene-3,17-Dione Mel EXAMPLE 25 7 Preparation of fi-Methyleneandr0st-4-Ene-3,17-Dione G-dimethylaminomethyl 3-methoxy-androsta-3,S-dienl7-one methobromide (0.5 g.) was heated in dimethylformamide (20ml) at 100 C. for 1 hour. The product was 6methyleneandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, M.P. 154 to 156 C., identical with that prepared in Example 20.

EXAMPLE 26 Preparation of 6-Methyleneandrost-4-Ene-3,'17 Dione 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxy androsta 3,5- dien-17-one methobromide (0.5 g.) was heated in dimethylsulphoxide at 80 .C. for .1 hour. The product was -methyleneandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, M.P. 154 to 156 C., identical with that preferred in Example 20.

EXAMPLE 27 Preparation of 6-Methyleneandroste4-Ene-3,17-Di0ne 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxyandrosta 3,5- dien-l7-one methobromide (0.5 g.) was heated in acetonitrile at 100 'C. .for 1 hour. The product was 6=methyleneandrostl-ene-3,l7-dione, M.P. 154 to 156 -.C., identical with that prepared in Example 20.

18 EXAMPLE 28 Preparation of 6-Methyleneandrost-4-Ene-3,17-Dione 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 methoxy androsta 3,5- dien-17-one methobromide (0.5 g.) was heated in dioxan at C. for 1 hour. The product was 6-methyleneandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, M.P. 154 to 156 C., identical with that prepared in Example 20.

EXAMPLE 29 Pre aration of .6-Methylene-25D-Spirost-4-En 3-0ne A solution of 3-ethoxy-25D-spirosta-3,S-diene (4.6 g.', prepared as described in Example 7 of our copending application No. 150,140) in dry ethylenedichloride (25 ml.) containing a few drops of dry pyridine was added at 0 C. to a stirred suspension of the complex obtained from dimethylformamide (2.3 g.) and phosgene (L8 g.) in ethylene dichloride (25 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, treated with phenazone (3.2 g.-), and then a dry solution of sodium borohydride (0.4 g.) in pyridine. After a further 20 minutes at room temperature the mixture was poured into aqueous sodium carbonate and the product isolated with ether. Crystallisatiomgave 6 dimethylaminomethyl 3 ethox-y 25D- spirosta-3,5-diene, k 251 m (log 4.26.). This compound (5 g.) in dry benzene (50 ml.) was treated with methyl iodide (5 ml.) and the mixture kept at room temperature for 24 hours. Filtration gave the methiodide which was used without further purification.

The foregoing methiodide (2 g.) and water were heated for 4 hours at 100- C. The product was collected and purified from methylene chloride/methanol to give 6-methylene-2-5D-spirost-4-en-3-one in dense plates, M.P. 204 to 205' C., not depressed in admixture with an authentic specimen.

EXAMPLE 30 Preparation of 6-Methylene-19-N0r-Testoster0ne Acetate 0A0 Me -6 dimethylaminomethyl 19 nor 3 ethoxy androst-3, 5-dien-1LB-acetate borane (2.0 ;g., as prepared in Example 17 of application No. 168,827, new Patent No. 3,084,159) was dissolved in .piperidine (10 ml.) and the solution was heated under reflux for four hours. Piperidine was distilled off under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in benzene and the solution filtered. Methyl iodide .(3 ml.) was added to the filtrate which was allowed .to stand overnight. The precipitate of -6- dimethylaminornethyl 19 nor 3 -'ethox y androst- 3,5-dien-l7fl-acetate methiodide was collected and suspended in water (100 ml.) to which has been added sodium acetate .(1 g.) and a fewdrops of ethanol. This suspension was heated on the steam bath under reflux for about an hour, and allowed to cool. The precipiin... 204 to 266 ni 4 11,310 ,gg; 1320 ,12s5, 1244, 1209, 1040, 1022, 909,894. 1741, 1077, 1024, 150.5.

7 max.

EXAMPLE 31 Preparation of 6-Methylene Testosterone 175 acetoxy 6 formyl-3-methoxyandrosta-3,S-diene (5 g.) in methanol (120 ml.) was treated with redistilled aniline (1.5 g.) and heated under reflux for minutes. The crystalline precipitated thus obtained was collected by filtration and purified from methylene chloride and methanol (containing a trace of pyridine) to give 175- acetoxy 3-methoxy-6-phenyliminomethylandrosta-3,5-diene, yellow needles, M.P. 222 to 230 C., [a] 236 (c. 0.58 in dioxan),

A523? 234 to 235 m (615,620) and 334 to 337 my (617,490), 2 1730, 1640, 1565, 1260, 1040, 765 and 692 cmf The foregoing anil (600 mg.) in dry dioxan (25 ml.) was added to a suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (600 mg.) in dioxan ml.) and the mixture heated at 100 C., for 10 minutes whilst stirring. The reaction mixture was cooled in ice and excess hydride decomposed by cautious addition of water. The product was isolated with ether and purified from ether-petrol. 3-methoxy-6-phenylaminomethylandrosta-3,S-dien-17 3-01 formed microcrysals, M.P. 80 to 87 C., [a];, 127.1 (c. 0.90 in dioxan),

A513? 253 m (6 27,550), 213;? 1650, 1625, 1600, 1500, 1200, 750 and 692 cmf The foregoing compound (200 mg.) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (1 ml.) with gentle Warming. Water was added dropwise and the crystalline product purified from aqueous ethanol. 6-methylene testosterone formed needles M.P. 175 C.

EXAMPLE 32 Preparation of 6-Methylene Testosterone Actate 17,8 acetoxy 3 methoxy-6-phenyliminomethylandrosta-3,5-diene (1.08 g., prepared as in Example 31) in dry dioxan was hydrogenated employing palladium on charcoal (100 mg. of 5%) as catalyst. After uptake of hydrogen was complete, the catalyst was filtered oh" and the filtrate evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The resulting gum was chromatographed onto alumina. Elution with benzene gave fractions which crystallised after prolonged trituration with petrol. Purification from acetone-petrol gave l7 8-acetoxy-3-methoxy-6-phenylaminomethylandrosta-3,5-diene, small prisms M.P. 125 to 130 (3.,

k222i 252.5 mn (1227,1120), 222 1730, 1655, 1610, 1505, 1250, 1030, 750 and 696 crnf The foregoing compound (500 mg.) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (2.5 ml.) with gentle warming and water added dropwise until crystallisation occurred. Purification from aqueous methanol gave 6-methylene testosterone acetate, flakes M.P. 140 to 141 C.

EXAMPLE 33 Preparation of o-Methylenetestosterone B-Phenyl Propionate Testosterone fl-phenylpropionate was converted into the 3-methylenol ether by standard procedures and this ether submitted to reaction with the Vilsmeier reagent as described in Example 29. The resulting amine was quaternated with methyl iodide in benzene solution and the quaternary salt treated by the procedure of Example 4 to give 6-methylenetestosterone ,G-phenyl propionate, needles from methanol/methylene chloride, M.P. 188 to 189 C.,

[CL]D26+215 (c. 1.07 in CHC1 hmax, 261 my (6 11, 770).

EXAMPLE 34 Preparation of 6 -M ethylene-1 9-N or-Testosterone A solution of hydrogen chloride in absolute ethanol (1 N; 1.64 ml.) was added to a mixture of ethyl orthoformate (4.1 ml.), absolute ethanol (7 ml.), l9-nortestosterone (5.0 g.) and anhydrous benzene (41 ml.) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hours and cooled. A solution of sodium ethoxide made by dissolving sodium (0.4 g.) in ethanol (20 ml.) was added quickly, With Vigorous stirring and the resulting solution Was washed with water, dried over potassium carbonate and evaporated at reduced pressure. The residue of 3-ethoxy- 19-nor-androsta-3,5-dien-17601 was triturated with hexane, dried by suction and used without further purification for the next step.

A solution of dimethylformamide (1.58 ml.) in ethylenedichloride (10 ml.) was stirred at 0 C., with exclusion of moisture, during dropwise addition of a solution of phosgene in ethylenedichloride (10% w/v; 10 ml.). After stirring at 0 C. for a further 10 minutes, 3-ethoxy- 19-nor-androsta-3,5-dien-1713-01 (3.02 g.) in dry ethylenedichloride (25 ml.) was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. A solution of lithium borohydride (0.118 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (4 ml.) was added slowly, and the resulting solution was poured into dilute sodium carbonate solution. Ether extraction, washing with water, drying over sodium sulphate, treatment with charcoal and stripping yielded an oil which was dissolved in anhydrous ether, a small amount of sparingly soluble solid being removed by filtration. Methyl bromide (3 ml. measured at 0 C.) was added, and the solution was maintained at 40 C. in a sealed flask for 3 days. The resulting precipitate of 3-ethoxy-6- trimethylaminomethyl 19 nor androsta-3,5-dien-17fi-ol bromide was collected, washed with petroleum ether, dried, and used without further purification.

3 ethoxy 6 trimethylaminomethyl 19 nor-androsta-3,5-dien-17fl-ol bromide (2.5 g.) was heated on the steambath for four hours with water (60 ml.) and benzene (60 ml.). After cooling, the benzene layer was separated, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue of 6-methylene-19- nor-testosterone was purified by recrystallisation from a mixture of ether and hexane.

EXAMPLE 35 Preparation of 6-Methylene-17fl-Phenylpropionoxy- 19-Nor-Androst-4-En-3-One O.CO.CH CHzCtH0 Me I chloride (8.0 ml.), the temperature of the solution not being allowed to exceed C. After stirring at 0 C. for a further 30 minutes, the solution was allowed tostand overnight at room temperature. Crushed ice was then added in portions, and the mixture was extracted with ether, the ether solution being washed with water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Chromatography on neutral alumina, eluting with benzene, followed by recrystallisation from methanol/ether, yielded 3-metl1oxy-17fl-phenylpropionoxy-oestra-2,5(10)-diene, M.P. 98 to 99 C., sufficiently pure for the next stage. A solution of dimethylformamide 3.2 ml.) in ethylenedichloride (20 ml.) was stirred at 0 C., with exclusion of moisture, during the dropwise addition of a solution of phosgene in ethylenedichloride w./v.; 20.5 ml.). After stirring for a further 10 minutes at 0 C., a solution of ,3-methoxy-17B-phenylvpropionoxy-oestra-2,5(10)-diene (6.25 g.) in dry ethylenedichloride (.50 ml.) was added quickly. and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. A solution of lithium borohydride (0.264 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (7 ml.) was added slowly, and the resulting solution was poured into dilute sodium carbonate solution. Ether extraction, washing with water, drying over sodium sulphate, treatment with charcoal and stripping yielded an oil, which was'dissolved in anhydrous ether (200 ml.), a small amount of undissolved solid being filtered oft. Methyl bromide ;(5 'ml.; measured at 0 C.) was added to the filtrate, which was then maintained at 40 C. in a sealed flask for 3 days. The resulting precipitate of '3 methoxy 17,8 phenylpropionoxy 6 'trimethylaminomethyl-l9-nor-androsta-3,S-diene bromide was collected, washed with petroleum ether, dried and used in the next step without further purification.

3 methoxy 1713 phenylpropionoxy 6 trimethylamino-methyl-19-nor androsta-3,5-diene bromide (6.0 g.) was heated under reflux on the steam-bath with water (150 ml.) and benzene '(150 ml.) for 4'hours. After cooling, the benzene layer was separated, dried over so dium sulphate and evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting 6-methylene-17B phenylpropionoxy-19norandrost-4-en-3 -one solidified on standing, and was purified by recrystallisation from benzene/ hexane.

EXAMPLE 36 Preparation of 9a-Fla0ro 6-Methylene- Hydrocortisone Acetate ilH.

9a-fluorohydrocortisone acetate 3-enol methyl ether (cf. Smith et al. J. Org. Chem. 1961, 26, 974) (10 g.) in dry ethylenedichloride (500 ml.) containing pyridine (1 ml.) was added to the Vilsmeier reagent prepared from phosgene (1.9 g.) in dry ethylene dichloride (18 ml.) and dimethylfornramide (3.3 ml.) in dry ethylenedichloride (20 ml.). After stirring for 1%. hours at room temperature phenazone (5 g.) was added, followed by lithium borohydride (0.38 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 ml.) added dropwise with vigorous stirring over 10 minutes. The mixture was poured into aqueous potassium hydrogen carbonate, and the organic layer was washed with 10 x 200 ml. water, the washings being re-extracted with ethylenedichloride (50 ml.). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulphate and the sol- 22 V vents removed under reduced pressure to give crude 2'1 acetoxy 9a 'fiuoro 6 dimethylaminemethyl 11B, dihydroxy 3 methoxypregna 3,5 dien 20 one.

The foregoing crude product, in benzene (100 ml.) was treated with methyl bromide (10 ml.) in a stoppered flask for 24 hours at 30 C. The precipitated methobrornide was collected and washed with ether.

The crude air-dried methobromide was suspended :in water (100 ml.) containing-methanol (40 ml.) was heated at .60'to 80 C. for 2 hour-s. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate which was washed, dried (Na SQ and evaporated. Purification from acetone/hexane gave 9a-fluoro 6wmethylenehydrocortisone acetate A 260.5 mu. (6 11,100) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 37 Preparation of 17a-Acetoxy-6-Methyleneprogesterone 17a acetoxy 6 dimethylaminomethyl-3-ethoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one ,(1 g.) (prepared as described in Example 8 of application No. 168,827) .in methanol (20 ml.) was treated with methyl iodide .(1 ml.) under reflux for 1 hour. The solution then concentrated and allowed to cool, when -17a-aeetoxy-6-methyleneprogesterone, M.P. 238 to 244 C. was obtained.

EXAMPLE 38 A solution of 17,8 acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-(N --methyl-N. phenylaminomethyl) androsta-3,5-diene (0.3 :g.) in methi anol (75 ml.) was treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid (2 ml.) for 5 minutes at room temperature. Addi tion of water precipitated 6-methylene testosterone, M.P 173 to 175 C., :identical with the sample prepared in Example 31.

EXAMPLE 39 A solution of 17 B acetoxy-3-ethoxy-6-(N-methyl-N- phenylaminomethyl)-androsta-3,5-diene (0.3 g.) in methanol (75 ml.) was treated with 10% aqueous hydrochloric acid (0.25 mL, 1 mol.) for 5 minutes at room temperature. Precipitation with water gave 6-methylene testosterone acetate, M.P. 141 C., identical with the sample prepared as in Example 17.

Preparation of 160L,170L -Epoxy-6-Methylenepregn-4-Ene- 3,20 Dione lie.

16a,17%a-epoxy-3-methoxy 6-dimethylaminomethylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one (5 g.) in methanol (80 ml.) was treated with methyl iodide (5 ml.) under reflux for hour. The excess of methyl iodide was then allowed to boil off and water was added to the solution until crystallisation commenced. The product was purified from aqueous methanol to give 16a,17a-epoxy-6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione in prisms, M.P. 189 to 190 C.

EXAMPLE 41 EXAMPLE 42 17a acetoxy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-3-ethoxypregna- 3,5-dien--one (1 g.) in methanol (20 ml.) and hydrogen peroxide (4 ml.) was stirred at to C., for 5 hours diluted with water (5 ml.), cooled, and the solids purified from methanol, to give 17u-acetoxy-6- methyleneprogesterone, MP. 240 to 244 C.

EXAMPLE 43 17a-acet0xy-6-dimethylaminomethyl-B-methoxypregna- 3,5-dien-20-one (1 g.) in aqueous methanol (40 ml.) and acetic acid (0.2 ml.) was heated under reflux for 4 hours, concentrated to about 15 ml., and allowed to cool. The crystalline product was purified from methanol to give 17ot-acetoxy-6-methyleneprogesterone, MP. 240 to 244 C.

We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of a compound selected from the group consisting of 6-methylene-3-oxo-A steroids of the androstane, l9-norandrostane, pregnane, 19-norpregnane and spirostane series, comprising: contacting with an aqueous medium a corresponding steroid compound of said series having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus the following structure:

WWTW V 35 R 0 in which X is an anion, R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkyl and aralkyl, and R, R and R are selected from the combinations consisting of:

(A) R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and aralkyl and R and R are H;

(B) R is alkyl, R is selected from the group consisting of aryl, aralkyl and alkyl and R is selected from the group consisting of H and oxygen;

(C) R R and R are alkyl; and

(D) R and R together with the nitrogen atom form a ring structure selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidine, piperidine and morpholine and R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and oxygen.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steroid starting material is contacted with an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of water alone and water in admixture with an organic solvent.

3. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the aqueous medium is water in admixture with an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of the lower aliphatic alcohols and ketones.

4. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein R R and R of the starting material are each methyl and X is an anion selected from the group consisting of 1, Br and MeSO 5. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steroid starting material is heated at 50 C., to C. in said aqueous medium.

6. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steroid starting material is formed by reacting a 3-enol ether of a corresponding 3-oxo-A -6-dimethylaminomethyl steroid in an organic solvent medium with a quaternating agent selected from the group consisting of methyl iodide, methyl bromide and methyl sulphate.

7. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein R, R and R of the steroid starting material is the combination (B) in which R is ox gen and this material is heated at 35 C. to 100 C. in an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of Water alone and water in admixture with a water-miscible organic solvent.

8. 6-methylene-19-nortestosterone.

9. 6-methylene-19-nortestosterone-B-phenyl propionate.

10. G-methylene-l9-nortestosterone acetate.

11. 6-methylene-androstenedione.

12. 6-methylenedesoxycorticosterone acetate.

13. 17a acetoxy 2l-fiuoro-6-methylenepregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,980,711 Colton Apr. 18, 1961 

1. A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF 6-METHYLENE-3-OXO-$4 STEROIDS OF THE ANDROSTANE, 19-NORANDROSTANE, PREGNANE, 19-NORPREGNANE AND SPIROSTANE SERIES, COMPRISING: CONTACTING WITH AN AQUEOUS MEDIUM A CORRESPONDING STERIOD COMPOUND OF SAID SERIES HAVING IN RINGS A AND B OF THE STEROID NUCLEUS THE FOLLOWING STRUCTURE: 